Thankfully, I was out early this morning for my beach walk.  And, just in time for a beautiful sunrise 🙂
Within a few hours, the view dramatically changed as the heavy rain arrived. Dreary day…
By the way, I will be out of the office for a few days.  If you need to reach me, the best is e-mail ann@anndelaney.com   Back in on Monday 3/5.
The Cape May County Park and Zoo is a popular family destination- located just 10 minutes inland from Avalon / Stone Harbor. AND, the facilities are open year round.
We walked through the park and zoo last week on a day too windy for the beach. No crowds and the animals were out awaiting their breakfast!Â
On the island, families are within walking distance, or an easy bike ride from one of the seven playground areas.
8th Street, 30th Street, 39th Street, and 74th Street in Avalon; 81st Street, 97th, and 106th Street in Stone Harbor.
In addition, both communities offer extensive summer programs (for all ages)Â through the recreation department. Links on my blog roll (right hand side of the page), and on www.powerplayrealty.com
I had company on the beach this morning…hundreds of birds!Â
Colder temperatures, yet calmer winds and a warm sun. A nice way to start the day.
Stone Harbor is actively planting dune grass on the restored dunes between 92nd and 111th Streets. The grass holds the sand in place and allows the dunes to build up naturally over time.
I watched the crew yesterday: one man operated a  power tool to dig the holes, while others followed behind with stalks of grass. Very efficient system.
My own personal experience of planting dune grass is a bit different. In the late 1960s, a local man established a plan for regular dune grass plantings in Avalon.  Mr. Fenton Groff lived near the beach in the south end, and understood the value of preserving the dunes.
The students at Avalon Elementary participated…with the lure of free hot dogs! We worked for 3 or 4 hours on Saturday morning, and then returned to the school cafeteria (cold and very sandy) for lunch. No fancy motorized tools way back then- we were armed with shovels and encouraged to aim for a straight line.Â
Like so many events of my childhood, dune grass plantings are a fun memory- and definitely unique to life at the shore!
Nice weather forecast for the next few days. I’m sure there will be beach walking 😉
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The over hyped “blizzard” will (thankfully) only produce a few flurries later tonight. Based on the number of cars in town, the weather forecast did not scare property owners and visitors from spending the weekend at the shore.Â
Presidents’ Weekend is the traditional start of our sale and summer rental season. Here’s to a busy 2012!
When I was younger, my exposure to Wildwood was somewhat limited. We had the tradition of Easter Sunday on the boardwalk, as well as one or two visits in the summer when relatives were in town.  And, there is the legendary story of the nuns (including my aunt) on the Hunt’s Pier log flume during a thunder storm 😉
I attended Wildwood Catholic High School, where I met and later married my “Wildwood boy”. We continued the Easter tradition with our sons, and added trips to Morey’s water parks.
During the quieter months, we enjoy walking the length the boardwalk; and of course the boardwalk food. A more recent tradition is opening day at Sam’s Pizza (yesterday). Based on the crowds, others have the same tradition.Â
I still can’t say I’m a fan of the crazy atmosphere- it’s sensory overload to me! But I understand the attraction and appreciate that it’s nearby.
Over the weekend, I had a conversation with a woman who lived in Stone Harbor year round when she was younger.  She and her siblings are in the process of selling their mother’s home.
Two of her siblings have no interest in spending time at the beach; while the other two are more emotionally attached to life at the shore.
We laughed as we talked about reactions from others once they know you ACTUALLY live on the island. No gray area here - it’s either envy or pity!
If you are reading my blog…my guess is that you are in the “envy” camp 😉
An appropriate time to say “thank you” to my loyal customers.
I value the friendships grown from business relationships. And appreciate the continued support of your referrals and repeat business.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
